Plumber chez McDowell County Schools

Job Title: Plumber
Department: Maintenance Department
Full-time 40 hours/week, 12 month
State Salary Schedule
Location: District-Wide (Multiple School Sites)

Position Summary

The Plumber performs skilled journey-level work in the installation, maintenance, inspection, and repair of plumbing systems and related fixtures throughout district facilities. The position ensures the safe and efficient operation of all water, sewer, and drainage systems in compliance with North Carolina plumbing codes and local ordinances. Work is performed under general supervision with periodic inspections for quality and compliance.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Installs, maintains, and repairs water supply lines, drain lines, sewer systems, and related fixtures (sinks, toilets, fountains, etc.) in school facilities and district buildings.
• Inspects plumbing systems to detect leaks, malfunctions, or code violations and performs corrective action as needed.
• Cleans drains, repairs or replaces defective pipes and fittings, and unclogs sewer lines.
• Performs preventive maintenance on plumbing systems, valves, and fixtures to ensure proper operation and prevent breakdowns.
• Reads and interprets blueprints, drawings, and specifications to plan and layout plumbing installations.
• Collaborates with other maintenance personnel (HVAC, electrical, carpentry) to support facility operations and renovations.
• Estimates materials, parts, and labor required for projects; maintains accurate records of work performed and materials used.
• Ensures all plumbing work complies with the North Carolina State Building Code, OSHA standards, and district safety procedures.
• Responds to emergency plumbing situations and participates in after-hours or on-call rotations as needed.
• Operates a variety of hand and power tools safely and maintains assigned tools and equipment in good working order.
• Performs other related duties as assigned by the Maintenance Supervisor or Director of Facilities.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience:
High school diploma or GED required.
Completion of an approved apprenticeship program or equivalent combination of education and experience in plumbing trade work.

Minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible experience as a plumber; public facilities experience preferred.

Licenses and Certifications:
Valid North Carolina driver’s license with a safe driving record.
Possession of or ability to obtain a North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating, and Fire Sprinkler Contractors plumbing license (Class I or II) preferred.
Backflow Prevention Certification preferred or ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Working knowledge of standard practices, methods, materials, and tools of the plumbing trade.
• Knowledge of applicable state and local plumbing codes and safety regulations.
• Skill in reading blueprints, schematics, and technical manuals.
• Ability to perform manual work requiring physical strength and endurance in a variety of weather conditions.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions and complete assigned tasks independently.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, staff, vendors, and the general public.
• All other duties as assigned

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds and perform work involving standing, bending, stooping, crawling, and climbing.
• Work may be performed indoors or outdoors in varying environmental conditions.
• May be required to use personal protective equipment (PPE) as appropriate to assigned tasks.

Work Environment

This position operates across multiple school facilities and requires travel between sites within the district. Work hours may vary based on emergency calls, maintenance schedules, or special projects.

Disclaimer
This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities required of the position.